Leaders dig deep to pull off narrow win at the top

Late wickets and late runs proved crucial as Bassetlaw League Championship leaders Clipstone and Bilsthorpe 1sts narrowly defeated one of their title challengers, Glapwell Colliery 1sts.

Chasing 186 for victory, hosts Glapwell looked well placed when they reached 131 for five with the two Smiths at the crease.

Luke Smith, who made a patient 31, and Scott Smith, with an equally careful 33, had added 39 for the sixth wicket when Luke Smith was stumped by Adam Dutton off Ian Woodall.

Scott Smith tried to guide the tail, but Woodall, three for 41, struck again and Christopher Tindall claimed two more wickets to finish with four for 43 as Clipstone and Bilsthorpe won by 13 runs.

Opener Matthew Page and captain Danny Bircumshaw had scored at faster than a run-a-ball for their 29 and 24 respectively as Glapwell made a good start to the run chase.

Earlier the leaders had been in trouble at 114 for seven before Andy Norwood, batting at number eight, made a crucial 41, including five boundaries, from 45 balls. He shared a stand of 47 for the ninth wicket with Woodall (10).

Daniel Pykett had been the chief tormentor of the leaders with four for 44, while Bircumshaw and George Unwin claimed two wickets.